How to Rethink Career and Workplace Stress as Good

Eustress: The Good Stress

In this blog, I like to share on the topic of how stress can impact us each differently. Although widely viewed negativity, I like to share career insight on rethinking stress as an anchor to positive productivity and outcome. Clinical psychiatrists and career development practitioners coins it, eustress; or positive stress.

But first of all, what is stress?

The American Institute of Stress defines stress as:

"There is no definition of stress that everyone agrees on, what is stressful for one person may be pleasurable or have little effect on others. We all react to stress differently. ”

Stress in a workplace is a hot topic.

So popular in fact, in 1978, the American Institute of Stress was established to update people on stress related topics!

You may also find Industrial/Organizational Psychologists utilizing popular stress indicator tools such as, Student Stress Inventory-Stress Manifestations (SSI-SM), Workplace Stress Questionaire (WSQ), or HSE Managment Indicator Tool as a way to get specific information on human characteristics and work-related burnout.

Stress can affect us each differently

One of the most practical ways to understand stress is through lived experience.

Brackin, from the YouTube channel, Tiny Notes From Home describes his own experience by defining stress levels in a clever way and how each level impacts his life differently.

Level 1: Stress

"You are driving to the airport and run into a red light where you worry about being late for the flight. The sort of stress that every human being can experience in a daily basis."

Level 2: Nervousness

"You are on the plane and strapped to your seat belt. The plane is now taking off."

Level 3: Anxiety

"Now the plane has gone into a massive turbulence. The plane starts to bounce and everyone begins to see the plane flap around and the ice or ground below them. In this situation, it's often challenging to get out of."

Level 4: Panic

"You are now in a situation where the plane is actually going down. The wing breaks off and the engine blows out. Panic is the feeling that your going to crash and die."

What is Eustress?

In Positive Psychology, Catherine Moore, Psychologist, MBA describes it as:

Eustress = Good Stress = Health Benefits

EUSTRESS in a workplace can be helpful

1. Build on emotional resilience and stay attuned to meet our daily emotional needs.

2. Learn to develop coping strategies such as, taking deep breaths, moving our body, journaling, or reflecting on our thoughts strategically.

3. Practice self-love and find activities that can grow into hobbies to balance work-life.

Go Deeper: Rethinking Career Stress

Stress often signals something important:

• A need for growth

• A misalignment in your career

• Or an opportunity to step into your next level

  
  

The question is not: “How do I avoid stress?” The better question is: “What is this stress trying to show me?”

Through 1:1 individualized career coaching, you can begin to:

• Understand your stress patterns

• Align your work with your strengths and personality

• Improve emotional, psychological, and physical wellbeing

• Make clear, confident career decisions

Final Thoughts

Stress is not your enemy When understood correctly, it becomes a guide that can point you toward growth, purpose, and meaningful progress. Eustress reminds us that pressure, when aligned with purpose, can move us forward in powerful ways.

Yules Chan (BFA, CWS, CCS) is a CPC registered career development professional in Calgary who is motivated in providing holistic excellence by finding your hidden genius through the world of employment.

Book your complimentary 15-minute career clarity consultation here, or learn more about how I can support your journey at Brilliant Person Career Coaching.